Refuge standoff acquittals raise questions in other cases
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The acquittal of seven people who took over a federal wildlife refuge in a 41-day armed standoff with authorities raises questions about what prosecutors will do with seven more defendants in the same case who are going to court in February.
The verdict earlier this month has emboldened and entrenched the remaining defendants, and many say they would never take a plea deal.
Prosecutors have yet to say what they will do in a case that has generated national scrutiny.
The U.S. Attorney’s office in Portland declined to comment on the acquittals and the upcoming trial.
Defense attorneys, however, questioned whether government prosecutors would be wise to proceed, given that the first jury didn’t buy the government’s conspiracy case.
